Danville seminar outlines need for technology training

As rapidly as new technologies are introduced, people buy them — think computers, cell phones, iPods, BlackBerrys and the plethora of other electronic gadgets people use to stay in touch or make their lives easier.

However, as rapidly as these new devices are introduced, more technicians are needed to maintain and support them.

That was the message of a seminar led by Tom Jackson, institutional director for information technology programs at National College, Thursday night at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

Jackson told about 40 business owners and individuals that as their information network becomes more and more complex, they will find it more and more important to have someone on staff to handle all the technology.

National College is introducing a new program that offers one-, two- and four-year information technology training, and Jackson is encouraging employers to take advantage of the training available to bring their employees up to date.

He said most schools produce computer science graduates, who have learned theory but have little hands-on experience with network problems.

“Business owners don’t need theory,” Jackson said. “They need someone to create network infrastructure and keep it running.”

The college is offering a bachelor’s degree in information technology, an associate degree in information systems engineering and a computer network technician diploma.

With one year of training, a computer network technician would be able to install and maintain hardware and software, as well as troubleshoot network client/server configurations.

The associate degree will prepare students to take care of computer information systems, including network configurations and operating systems integration.

With a four-year bachelor’s degree, students will get even more training that will lead them to professional jobs that include database management and project development.

Jackson said it’s not an easy course to get through, but it can lead to great rewards.

He told the audience about a man who had worked at a major retailer’s distribution center, earning $12 to $14 an hour.

“He was all about keeping a roof over his family’s heads, food on the table and being able to buy a few things for his kids,” Jackson said.

Then, he was laid off.

Jackson said the man is still surprised at how well the training at National College has changed his life.

“He walked straight into a $54,000-a-year job,” he said.

Jackson said the field is wide open, with huge shortages of trained people employers are looking for — and pointed out that shortages of qualified technicians will continue to grow as baby-boomers retire.

To find out more about the IT courses at National College, visit http://www.national-college.edu or call 1-800-664-1886.

Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.